By Erik Peterson

This is a 3-part series exploring the journey of wholeness in our lives as we follow Jesus. In Part 1 (Spiritual Life) we saw how God desires to use every aspect of our lives (mind, body, emotions, relationships, work, art, play, finances) to grow us to become more like Him. Here in Part 2, we’ll be exploring the...

by Erik Peterson

At The Grove, we seek to cultivate our spiritual lives and creative work in community. This is a 3-part series exploring the dimensions of wholeness in our lives as we follow Jesus. In Part 1, we’ll be exploring wholeness and our spiritual life.

The Journey of Wholeness: Spiritual Life

There can be no talk of...

by Erik Peterson

Have you ever found yourself procrastinating on a creative project, or struggling to initiate a desired change in your life?   

I know I have, too many times to count. Through learning about different strategies for personal change, along with many failures and successes, there is one approach and mindset that I...

By Erik Peterson

Life is a journey, and so is your art. 

As an artist, the two are forever intertwined and bound together. As St. Paul might say, this is a profound mystery! Your art is a journey to discover more of the life you want to live, and more of God’s life that wants to live in you.  

If you think back on your life and...

By Erik Peterson

While everyone may have a different creative process - what works for me is different than what works for you - there is one single thing we can all agree upon.

Artists create time to create.  

Creative Procrastination

What keeps us from actually creating?  There are many reasons: lack of clarity of purpose, lack...

By Erik Peterson

Today, Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of the Christian season of Lent, a period of 40 days preparing and culminating in Easter. It is a time of reflection, prayer, repentance, preparation, fasting and service.  Mostly, it is an invitation to grow closer with Jesus, learning from Him as we walk in His...

By Erik Peterson

I just spent some time praying, asking, “God, what do you want me to write about?  What do you want for this community of artists?”  These are questions I intend to keep asking, especially before creating. I know I have certain ideas, but what are my ideas when compared to God’s, whose ways are...

By Erik Peterson

There is a deeply held conviction in our culture, a belief that runs so deep that we are often blind to its underlying presence. It can affect every aspect of our lives - from our art, to our work and our relationships. 

It’s the belief that we are all alone, that it’s “all up to me” when we embark...

(Consider reading the post first before watching the video...context matters.)

In many years working with artists, one common theme emerges when I speak with an artist who feels stuck, stagnant or circling round and round in creative dead ends.

And that is the theme of purpose.

If you feel flat, unmotivated, frustrated, or discouraged in your...